The Bookstore

The ball had been a roaring success and had only ended when the first rays of daylight broke over the horizon, as was customary. It was therefore, after one in the afternoon when the guests and inhabitants of Malfoy Manor began to stir and arrive in the dining room for a late lunch. 

Lord Slytherin walked into the formal dining room, greeting the inhabitants and already regretting his choice to remain at the Manor over night. He had never enjoyed people and chatter first thing in the morning and today Narcissa and Bella in particular appeared to have a great deal to tell the other. He took a sip of his coffee and started reading through some of post that had been redirected to him or he had deemed not important enough for his attention yesterday and was on his third letter, an invitation to a dinner party hosted by some unknown wizard, when Severus entered followed closely by Abraxas Malfoy.

"Good morning" said Abraxas to his friend and Severus gave a short bow and a quiet "Good Morning Lord Slytherin" in greeting, not really comfortable with sharing breakfast with the Dark Lord, who was having some sort of drama with his baby sister.
 
Livia entered along side the two younger Lestranges and took a seat, those who had already arrived began to eat.

"...Surely someone must have caught your interest Livia, most of those eligible were in attendance last night, you certainly turned quite a few heads" Bellatrix was saying quietly to her friend, whilst Lucius greeted those already at the table and dropped a kiss on his wifes cheek and sons head before seating himself at the table.

Livia gave a disgruntled hum and muttered snarkily, "I'm quite sure that any sudden interest in me has nothing at all to do with Sev now being Lord Prince and it being known that there is a 'respectable' dowry on offer for the poor sap that manages to marry me. Unless of course in the last year something miraculous has altered about my person to make me irresistible to the masses of course". She was no fool, she knew full well why she was suddenly viewed as being acceptable and desirable wife material and she wanted no part of it. Thomas wouldn't have cared about a dowry, he has enough of his own money she thought morosely.

"You are too harsh..." Narcissa paused as she received a look of pure disbelief, despite it she continued on "Yes, Severus claiming his Lordship will have attracted some however, I know of a few who were simply waiting for you to finish your Masters before making a move" 

Livia snorted ineligently, their conversation ceasing as the remainder of the guests made their way to breakfast, firstly the elder Lestrange and then Barty Crouch Jr who came hurrying in a few minutes later looking a little worse for wear followed by Lord Nott who had opted to stay at the manor in order to see more of his old friends and nurse his hangover, his wife had returned home to their grandson Theodore.

Once Livia had finished her breakfast she left to make use of the Library while she could, the added benefit of avoiding the guests and constant gossip about the night previous high on the list of incentives for her to do so. A few minutes passed before Lord Slytherin made his excuses and followed her, determined to speak with her about their... misunderstanding.

Livia looked up when she heard to door to the library close, upon seeing who it was she carefully marked the page she was reading and placed the book aside.

"Would you care to take a seat?", was her too polite question, that same strained smile she seemed to be saving just for him upon her face. She was sat in the same seat she had been when they had argued, he gave her a nod and took the chair opposite her.

"I would like to apologise for the things that I said in the heat of the moment during our...well our disagreement the last time we were in this room" Livia said, feeling that the least she could do was apologise for some of the more colourful insults she had flung at the man. Hopefully he would accept and the awkwardness would go away and then they could return to being sort of friends, if not perhaps friendly aquaintances, she thought.

"It is I who should apologise. There was clearly a misunderstanding from the very begining and It has been pointed out, repeatedly, that the fault lay with myself. Perhaps it would be best if we put this behind us and try again" Thomas offered stiffly, not used to being the one to make an apology.

"I would be willing if you are" she replied carefully, it may take a while for them to feel comfortable with each other again, but she had hope.

"Good" Thomas stated decisively as if everything was now settled. He took a roll of parchment from his robe pocket and handed it to Livia, who looked in askance.

"This is our courting contract, you have only to read it and sign at the bottom of the page for it to come into effect, you may of course have a third party read it if you so choose."  Thomas continued on as if a whole conversation had taken place that only he was privy to and that Livia clearly hadn't been present for.

"I will of course be glad to explain anything you are unsure of and I am certain that small amendments could be made if necessary", he finished looking for all the world like this was a rational end to the conversation they had just had. Let it not be said that Lord Slytherin didn't learn from his mistakes, there was absolutely no way she could misinterpret his intentions this time. 

His friends had coached him repeatedly for several days, Step one: Send an olive branch via letter. Check. Step two: Greet Livia and show no hard feelings. Check. Step three: Apologise for the misunderstanding. Check. Step four: Make an offer of courtship clearly and plainly to avoid misinterpretation. Check.

Bewildered Livia unrolled the scroll that held a courtship contract, apparently.

"As you can see it is a fairly straight forward contract" Thomas informed her, "It has a few terms for us to agree on such as whether we agree to chaperones, how many contractual dates, etc. The only important things to note from my perspective are these points", here he he gestured to a few paragraphs. 

Livia continued to sit in a baffled silence,  still ruminating on how their conversation had moved from apologies and friendship renewed to signing a courtship agreement. 

Lord Slytherin continued, unaware of his silent companions confusion, "Obviously while I am courting you I will expect you to be faithful, hence the chastity clause. It would be politically detrimental to me if there was even a whiff of scandal, which there most certainly would be if we had been courting and you had behaved as inappropriately as you did last night. There would be stories throughout the Daily prophet questioning not only your morals but by extention my judgement, It would reflect very badly on me as I'm sure you will agree. It will also ensure that there is no doubt that any future offspring will most certainly be mine following our bonding"

"My behaviour last night?" Livia almost whispered as she sorted through what he was saying to her.

"I will require you to inform me of anything that could cause embarrassment to either of us in the future, affairs, debt, arrests and all friends or aquaintances that may cause problems or embarrassment further on down the track. You will of course distance yourself from such people effective immediately." Lord Slytherin eyed Livia, who had yet to say anything and who was watching him wide eyed, he continued believing her to be listening carefully.

"Future work projects will need to be agreed to by me during the courting contract and will be part of the bonding contract later, again I can't and won't have anything impacting negatively on my reputation.

I will of course require you to attend a number events with me as the person I am courting with the understanding that is a role you are expected to continue as my wife", Slytherin finished. He was pleased he had had the forethought to read the document through before he gave it to her, it had been drafted years previously and he had forgotten much of the contents.

Livia said quietly "You intend to have final say on my work and I see that there is no chastity clause for yourself included"

"No there isn't, It is a traditional clause, it has always been seen as less important for the man to be chaste than the woman. After all it acts as a confirmation that any future child is her husbands. Though people will always find a way around it, which I would sincerely hope that you would not, society does like to see the traditions to be upheld, particularly by public figures". He said all this completely oblivious to the storm that was quietly brewing opposite him. "As for ypur work, even you must acknowledge that there could be aspects that you like to work with that are currently illegal here. It would be a political nightmare if you were caught".

He pointed out a few areas that were still up for debate, such as how long the courtship would last, how many chaperoned dates, dedpite them having been slone multiple times by now, he then looked at Livia expectantly.

"I'm sorry Lord Slytherin but it seems that I will have to decline your offered contract" She said, her back ramrod straight, her eyes turned forwards but not meeting his.

"Why not? You can't hide behind ignorance of the situation this time given we are actually discussing the courting contract this time" he couldn't help the haughty tone and slight sneer that left him as he heard her refuse him, again.

"This contract is rather more one sided than I would have anticipated from you. I would go so far as to say it is rather archaic and certainly biased towards the male in the relationship. It is, simply put, nothing more  than list what I'm not allowed to do and expectations I should be meeting and yet I see that there are no such restrictions for you. You will not be expected to remain chaste during our courting period. You will remove my autonomy over my work and yet I will have no such control over yours". Livia was hurt and the control over her anger was slipping, then she recalled something else he had said " and, WHAT exactly about my behaviour at the ball last night could be deemed as 'Inappropriate'?". Severus had been right after all, Slytherin did buew this this as just a political match, she had been so naive and foolish hoping for that brief moment that it would be different.

"I would deem you flinging yourself at every available man last night as highly inappropriate, wether you were being courted or not. Is it really so suprising that I would insist on a chastity clause that will prevent promiscuous behaviour during the term of our courtship given what I observed last night!", he said looking down his nose at her all the while inwardly berating himself for believing this would be straight forward. The woman was anything but, it was obvious that he had no intention of engaging in any additional relationships during their courting or bonding, it would negatively impact his reputation, also she was the only person he had thought of in a romantic, and more carnal, sense since he had met her. If it wasn't in the contract Pure-blood wizarding Britain would pick her apart should it become common knowledge, they would accuse her of affairs and their children legitimacy would be called into question when the eventually bonded, surely she must realise that.

He was frustrated at her apparent anger and refusal of the courting contract, angry with himself for caring about what others would think when he informed them that she once again refused (not that she truly had the first time, a small voice chimed in the back of his mind), angry that once again he had made himself vulnerable to the woman who was disregarding why some of those clauses were in the contract to begin with, which in turn made him more angry and thus say things he would likely regret tomorrow, he had always been a little impatient with people.

Livia was gobsmacked, she couldn't believe that a self agrandised Dark Lord was berating her on her morals. He was a hypocritical pile of Thestral dung, and she told him so.

"You hypocritical pile of Thestral dung! You, who would call himself a Dark Lord, have the gall to question my morality! Well, since my 'promiscuous' and 'inappropriate' behaviour disgusts you so, may I suggest you go and find yourself a dull, virginal pureblood for your pathetically traditional, chauvinistic contract. I'm sure that you will be positively inundated with women that won't object to being bought and paid for, that will happily bow to your antiquated and misogynistic views! We wouldn't want you to be cursed with the same progressive thinking that you so espouse, now would we!" she spat at him with venom, she stalked angrily out of the room.

Outside the room was a small cluster of eavesdroppers. Lucius and Severus along with Lord Lestrange had all been heading to the library when they had heard raised voices from within. All three looked stricken, for different reasons Rambert because his old friend was well and truly buggering up his chances with the young woman who, he acknowledged, was a bit of a Hungarian horntail when she was irked it seemed and thus more than a match for Tom, which to his mind was a good thing. Lucius was concerned about some of his more precious tombs and hoping that they didn't resort to drawing their wands. Severus was quickly moving from shock at what he was hearing to fury that the Dark Lord would blame his poor, helpless, naive little sister, for the overly amorous attentions of gold diggers and fools who had attempted to woo her last night. Each of whom she had rightly pointed in his direction so he could correct their faulty understanding of the situation regarding their aspirations to court his sister. That Livia was a grown woman who apparently could hold her own against an enraged Dark Lord, and therefore she was likely to be capable of fending of any problematic admirers, did not immediately occur to him.

The footsteps heading towards the door roused them from their stupor and they all moved away and pretended that they were just heading towards the room.

The door was wrenched open and Livia stormed passed them without even noticing them there.

Lucius and Severus both, upon catching a glimpse of the furious Dark Lords face, decide that perhaps the library could wait and Lucius headed for his office whilst Severus decided on the potions lab until he could speak to Livia, when she had calmed down a little bit but not before he gave the Dark Lord a piercing stare. Severus stopped half way to the labs, replaying what he had overheard when he realised she had spoken, read shouted, that he called himself a Dark Lord. He wondered jow long she had known, there was nobody that woild have told her of that he was certain. He changed direction, planning to find Narcissa, he would need reinforcments for his conversation with Livia and knew just who would help him.

Rambert Lestrange was feeling beyond exasperated with his friend, a friend who had intelligence to spare  and could charm people as easily as a Veela. He had apparently lost all reason, intellect and charm when faced with trying to court the very obvious object if his desire however. Rambert shook his head lightly, entered the Library and sat down opposite his friend. He called a House elf for some Cognac and after handing Thomas a glass filled with the dark amber liquid he sat in silence and waited.

"I think that the tine has come for me to search for a more appropriate wife, one who will understand the political arena fully and will be an asset to my career. It has become evident the Ms Snape will not be that person", Thomas said evenly, his face closed off from showing all emotion.

"I see that you offered a courtship" he said gesturing to the document on the table in front of them. "Am I to take it that you couldn't agree on terms?" Rambert asked carefully, not wishing his friend to know that he was already aware of what had occurred.

Thomas snorted and took a gulp of his drink, glad of familiar burn of the alcohol as he thought how to respond.

"She took exception to the chastity and work clauses specifically".

"If that is all surely it could have been removed or amended? You were never one to follow the status quo and several clauses are frequently left out of contracts or a reciprocal agreement is added in where feelings are involved in the match", Rambert said having realised his friend had presented the girl with the contract that had been written for a political alliance and not one that would be used for someone where romantic feelings were involved. Where was Xander when he needed him, he really wasn't cut out for this kind of conversation alone.

Thomas looked at his friend and then re-read the contract, trying to see it from a different perspective.

"Am I to understand that she didn't object to the courtship until she read the contract?"

"She didn't speak until after we went through the contract and then it was only to tell me she wouldnt accept the contract", Thomas said through gritted teeth. His friends words coupled with looking at the contract again, one he had had made so long ago, made him feel like a simpleton. The contract had been written years ago when the idea of his marrying to solidify his political stance had first been suggested by his advisors, he had never concidered that he might marry someone who had no political influence or aspirations.

"You say she didn't say anything before you read through the contract? Did she not agree to courting you before the contract was produced then? Perhaps you should ecplain what transpired from the beginning", said Rambert, unsure that he understood exactly how the current situation had come to pass, the girl clearly at the very least liked Tom and contracts could be changed, so what was he missing?

Thomas explained, pausing only when he realised he was the Dark Lord and exclaiming to his friend that she shouldn't have known, those that did were sworn to secrecy.

Rambert sighed heavily and poured another drink and drinking it one gulp, "I don't think a simple apology is going to fix this my friend, perhaps it is time to retreat and regroup if she is still who you want. Though I think that if anyone can charm someone into forgetting harsh words however, that it would be you my friend." He stood and patted Thomas shoulder and went to find out how far the gossip had travelled through the house.

----

Severus escorted his companion through Malfoy Manor in search if his sister. Narcissa had helpfully informed them that she was in the nursery rooms with Draco and indicated that she would he seeing Severus later for answers on why her dear friend had looked so morose when she had seen her. 

Severus opened the door and peered into the room,

"Where is Draco?" he asked.

"He has gone for a nap, I thought I would stay up here until he wakes" she said givingva small smile at the thought of her godson.

"I have a visitor to see you?"

She started at that, hoping it wouldnt be Lord Slytherin again, she was about to tell him she wasn't inclinded for visitors and complain of a headache or feeling unwell, when a figure stepped around Severus carefully who found himself with an armful of Livia only seconds later.

"Mr Lewis! What are you doing here?", she squeezed him tightly, "I'm so happy to see you", she said happily, hugging him tightly again.

"Come my dear, show an old man to a seat. I hear you have had an eventful few weeks since I saw you last".

Livia led Bert to the settee in the nursery room and began to regale him with all that had happened and expanding on what she had already told him by letter.

Severus quietly leaves in search of Narsissa, dinner would be in a few hours and he wanted to arrange for a private one for himself, Livia and Mr Lewis if possible. He felt sure that Livia would appreciate time away from curious eyes today, especially as he assumed Lucius would have already spoken to Cissa about it who in turn, would have told Bella who would have told...and so on.

Narcissa easily agreed having had a brief overview of what was heard by Lucius and knowing that the Dark Lord had pre-arranged when the invitation was recieved that he would take his leave after dinner tonight.

Severus entered the room just as Bert was wiping tears feom Livia face with his handkerchief as she gave him a wobbly smile. 

"You are much to good for the man. I dare say he is kicking himself for being so short sighted with both the contract and what he said to you. He may be intelligent in many respects but in this case he's as big a dunderhead as I've ever heard of", Bert finished saying.

"I have requested that the elves provide the three of us dinner here, I hope that is acceptable?" Severus asked them, glad to see his sister had evidently been talking about what happened.

Livia looked up at him and asked "Does Cissa know about dinner?"

"Yes she does", he soothed her obvious concern for Cissa's temper should yet another guest be added without her knowledge, he hadn't been blind to the sharp and pointed looks she had been gracing Abraxas with since yesterday. The three settled into a pleasant evening, discussing everything and anything, not Slytherin related, which included Livia teasing Severus about his and Rabastan's obvious attraction to each other, which had her brother blushing in a way he hadn't done so since he was a boy and Lily Evans had held his hand for the first time, causing much amusement all round.

Lord Slytherin had been disappointed to discover Livia wouldn't be joining the group for dinner that night. He had hoped that they may be at least smooth things over a little before he left that evening. It appeared nearly everyone at the table that night had heard some version of what had happened between himself and Livia, if the awkward looks Lucius and the Lestrange brothers were  anything to go by, not to mention the sharp and stilted manner that the Black sisters were now speaking to him with. He was the Dark Lord Voldemort! They should be awkward around him because they feared and admired him, not because of his being repeatedly turned down by the same woman. Though that wasn't entirely true, nor was it fair to Livia, the whole courting experience so far had left him determined never to try again.

Thomas was ready to leave and watched from a distance as Livia and Bert Lewis walked arm in arm to the floo, Severus trailing a little behind them, they all said their goodbyes and Bert was gone in a swirl of green flames. He steps forward and Severus eyes his warily and glances to his sister who gives a subtle nod, he stalks away leaving the two of them alone.

"Lord Slytherin", Livia began before he could speak. "I think that... it would be best if we put this... situation behind us and move on from it. It is clear to me that a courtship between us will never be viable. We both clearly have strong, differing opinions on what is and isn't acceptable under such a contract. I hope that there will be no future animosity between us as a result of what happened and that one day we may be able to be friendly acquaintances once again". 

He watched Livia give her pre-prepared speech, spine straight, looking him straight in the eye with a strong, clear voice and realised that she was the only woman he would gladly marry. She knew he was the current Dark Lord, would have heard the unsavory tales about his less than legal activities, the violent repercussions for traitors, yet she stood up to him with no visible fear, just as she had done so in the library. She challenged him in every possible way and would be the perfect partner for him, now he just had to make sure she  realised that too. 

He moved towards her, held his hand out and recieved hers and said solemnly, "It will be as you wish Ms Snape. Goodbye for now", then he bowed over her hand. Upon releasing her hand he stepped back and towards the floo and home.